SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Department of Transportation is scrapping plans to expand an Interstate 4 rest stop days after Channel 9 brought you a neighbor's concerns.
The property, often packed with noisy trucks, sits just south of Lake Mary Boulevard.
A letter from state transportation officials says they're looking for an area that will not be right next to a neighborhood but it could take several years to relocate.
Laura Chisem's last defense against the sights, sounds and stench from the eastbound I-4 rest stop is a line of trees separating the properties.
Special Section: I-4 Ultimate Improvement Project
FDOT changed its plans, saying a "nonresidential area (is) better suited for (the) expansion."
"I am impressed with the response and how fast they made this decision, so I am ecstatic," said Chisem.
"I am very, very happy. It was really more than we expected," said resident Ebba Bowen.
FDOT's letter also said "it will take several years, perhaps a decade" to find a new location, then design and build it.
Still residents said the status quo is far better than the alternative, which would have included a regional traffic management center for FDOT and the highway patrol, as well as more parking for big rigs, which would bring cars closer to the community.
"I just thought it was peculiar that they would pick such a residential location with all the children that we have here. So (I am) very pleased that they are considering the children and looking at other alternatives," said resident Paul Hughs.
"It's a step in the right direction, so I'm happy," said Chisem.
State officials said the elevation at the westbound rest area will still have to be raised for the Interstate 4 Ultimate Project.